It Goes Way Back

This collection of essays, remembrances, reports and articles tells the story of what it was like to be set apart in a land and system created for white people from the perspective of, well, Black women in white America. Women of all types--slaves, both current and former, blue collar, white collar and professional--share their experiences and perceptions of what they have done to get by, or how the culture has blocked their path(s). Published in 1972, this older but sadly, still pertinent book has a lot to teach us all. I challenge anyone to read it and say that the "American Dream" is just there for the taking. Unfortunately, it has been, and still is, just a dream for far too many.

Interesting, and All Too Familiar

Exhaustively researched, this book chronicles the events leading up to the Civil War and takes the reader right on through it. There is no stone left unturned--battle by battle, conversations regarding the foes' perceptions of progress or failings --it's all here. There are many quotes that leave one reeling in their ring of modern-day sentiment, which is more than a bit scary. It seems that these sentiments run deep and have been taught effectively over the last 150 years. It explains a lot.

I confess there were times when I didn't read for depth but rather for general sense (in other words, I skimmed) but for the true Civil War or history aficionado, this is a must-read.

Perfectly Quirky and Satisfyingly Sweet

Leonard and Hungry Paul are two friends, living unconventional and certainly tame lives, by societal standards. At first you find yourself clucking along with a degree of superiority, but as the book wends its way to the end, it becomes clear where the wisdom really lies.

A feel-good read that holds your hand as you walk through it. And do walk--savor the experience. It's really lovely.